Questions?
If you have any questions about scholarships, eligibility, or registration, we're here to help.
Youth Sailing Scholarships
Making sailing accessible.
The Nantucket Community Sailing Scholarship Program provides students enrolled in Nantucket schools, or homeschooled in Nantucket, access to NCS youth sailing camps regardless of financial circumstances. Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of private donors and foundations who believe every child should have the opportunity to learn the lifelong skills of sailing.
Scholarships are awarded annually and administered on a first-come, first-served basis, as funds are available. Families are encouraged to apply early.
Scholarship Structure
Week 1
You pay $100 (minimum $350 value)
Weeks 2-8
50% scholarship per week
Availability
Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis as funds are available.*
*Availability varies by program.
Application & Registration Timeline
- Scholarship Applications Due: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM
- Scholarship Funds Allocation Begins: Friday, January 30, 2026
- Year-Round Island Youth Registration: Opens: Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM (EST); Closes Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM
- Payment Due or Auto-Bill Option: Friday, February 13, 2026
Waitlists are available during registration. Families may also register during Returning Sailor or General Registration if space allows.
How to Apply for a Scholarship
- Complete the NCS Scholarship Application
- Submit the application by email: registration@nantucketsailing.org or drop-off: NCS Main Office, 4 Winter Street (Coffin School basement)
- Register your sailor during Year-Round Island Youth Registration
Please note: Submitting a scholarship application does not automatically register a sailor — both steps are required. See here for more information on Youth Programming.
In addition to the general scholarship funding that is available to Nantucket’s resident-youth, NCS offers additional funding in the form of the below named scholarships. Recipients for these named scholarships will be chosen from the pool of general applicants who have filled out the current years' scholarship application.
Dr. Margaret H. ("Meg") Blair Scholarship
Established in 2019 to honor Dr. Meg Blair’s passion for sailing and teaching children through time on the water. Awarded to two year-round Nantucket youth each year for up to four weeks of sailing. Recipients complete a scholarship application and write a thank-you note to the Blair family.
Alan I. Newhouse Scholarship
Established in 2008 to honor NCS founder Alan Newhouse and his love of introducing young sailors to Polpis Harbor. Awarded to two year-round Nantucket youth each year for up to four weeks of sailing at Polpis Harbor. Recipients write a thank-you letter to the Newhouse family.
Betsy & Tom Whidden Youth Scholarship Endowment
Established in 2024 to support advanced youth sailors pursuing long-term skill development and racing. Awards 4–5 scholarships annually, including Opti or 420 race team sailors. Recipients submit a brief written statement and write a thank-you letter shared with Whidden Fund donors.